Product Details

• Actors: Mary Petruolo and Ettore Bassi
• Directors: Fabrizio Costa
• Format: NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Ignatius Press
• DVD Release Date: October 15, 2008
• Run Time: 200 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001EPKKUK
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,743 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

A major new epic feature film on the lives of St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi shot on location in Italy by the Italian film company Lux Vide, the producers of Saint Rita, Pope John Paul II and St. John Bosco. This movie is unique among films on St. Francis because of the historical accuracy of the story and its authentic spirit of joy and piety Francis was known for, as well as the major role played by Clare who is given equal stature with Francis. The two leads are played by very appealing performers, Mary Petruolo and Ettore Bassi, who give genuinely inspiring and beautifully moving performances of the daughter of a patrician family and the son of a rich merchant who leave all to follow Christ. Francis renounces his inheritance of wealth to live the Gospel and serve the poor and outcasts. Clare reads deep into his heart and decides to follow him, leaving her home and family to give herself as the bride of Christ. Both found major religious orders and together they inspire many to follow their radical call to live the Gospel, and their impact has even reached across the centuries to change the world. This DVD includes the following language tracks: English and Italian language, Spanish amp English subtitles. Special Features: A 16 page booklet by Tim Drake with study questions, biographies of St. Clare and St. Francis, and resource list. Behind the scenes featurette and a special Making of Clare and Francis featurette with Franciscan Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household. Publisher: Ignatius Press Format: DVD, 200 minutes ISBN: 897079001591

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historically Accurate, Extraordinary Film, December 18, 2008

By 

A. Ryan (Spokane, WA. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clare and Francis (DVD)

I agree with the other reviewer's that this is surely the best film yet on St. Francis and St. Clare. Some of the things that stand out about it are:
- historical accuracy - it follows the historical details closer than the other films on the lives of these popular saints, including such scenes usually not in other films like their creation of the first living Nativity scene, Francis meeting with the head of the Muslims during the Crusades, and Francis encountering the dangerous wolf who befriends him
- greater presence of Clare - in all other films Clare is more of a secondary character, but in this film she is clearly given equal status and importance as Francis, with her name even appearing first in the film title
- combines authentic spirituality with social concern - this film really balances the deep spiritual focus of both saints with their love and concern for others
- exquisite cinematography, and uniformly excellent acting performances

This is a very beautifully produced film with outstanding acting performance by the two leads, as well as the rest of the cast.

Plus the DVD includes some nice "extras" like good film segments on the "Making of" and "Behind the scenes". And a wonderful Collector's Booklet with saint bios, film commentary, study questions, color photos, etc.

Bottom line - this film version has it all and is a real cinematic and spiritual treasure. Get it!

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Yet, November 16, 2008

By 

C. Ferry "bibliophile" (San Diego, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clare and Francis (DVD)

The best and most historically accurate dramatization to date of the saints of Assisi. Well acted, especially the characterization of Francis.
Thoughtful and moving. The writing and direction take special care to show how Francis and Clare progress from lives of privilege to lives of joyful poverty for God. The film gets better with repeated viewings, as subtle nuances may be missed if seen only once!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Left speechless, January 1, 2009

By 

1tim315 "TOC" (factoryville, pa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clare and Francis (DVD)

I received this movie as a Christmas present. Since Christmas, I have watched the movie 5 times (almost once a day during the Octave!). I would recommend this to anyone who loves these two Great Saints or who want to get to know them. I hope to begin a deeper study of them myself as I continue my own journey as a Third Order Capuchin.
I hope they come out with a soundtrack as well, for the music is magnificent!